The term "percentage" was adapted from the Latin word "per centum", which means "by the hundred". Percentages are fractions with 100 as the denominator. In other words, it is the relation between part and whole where the value of "whole" is always taken as 100.
For example, if the marks of a student in math are 15 out of 50 then the corresponding percentage can be calculated by expressing "marks obtained" as a fraction of "total marks" and multiplying the result by 100. i.e., percentage of marks = \(\frac{15}{50} \times 100\) = 30%.
Percentage Formula:
The percentage formula is used to find the share of a whole in terms of 100. Using this formula, you can represent a number as a fraction of 100. If you observe carefully, all three ways to get the percentage shown above can be easily calculated by using the formula given below:
Percentage = (Value/Total Value)×100
Important Points on Percentages:
- To calculate the percentage of a number out of the total number, just use the formula number / total number × 100.
- An increase or decrease in any quantity can be expressed as a percentage. This is referred to as percentage change.
- Fractions can be converted into percentages and vice-versa. To convert the fractions into percentages, multiply by 100. To convert percentages into fractions, divide by 100.
- Percentages are reversible. For example, 50% of 60 is the same as 60% of 50.
| 4% |
1/25 |
| 5% |
1/20 |
| 10% |
1/10 |
| \(6 \frac{1}{4}\%\) |
1/16 |
| \(8 \frac{1}{3}\%\) |
1/12 |
| \(12 \frac{1}{2}\%\) |
1/5 |
| 20% |
1/5 |
| 25% |
1/4 |
| 30% |
3/10 |
| \(33 \frac{1}{3}\%\) |
1/3 |
| 40% |
2/5 |
| 50% |
1/2 |
| 60% |
3/5 |
| \(66\frac{2}{3}%\) |
2/3 |
| 70% |
7/10 |
| 75% |
3/4 |
| 80% |
4/5 |
| 90% |
9/10 |
| 100% |
1 |
| 150% |
3/2 |
| 200% |
2 |
| 15% |
3/20 |
| 45% |
9/20 |
| \(2\frac{1}{2}\%\) |
1/40 |
